I’m on my second round of antibiotics and I just can’t seem to kick this cough.  I’ve really been trying to eat very well, but not exercising a whole bunch.  This is all very disappointing at this point in the contest.  I had very high hopes for this month.

I have been really struggling in the last week or so.  I got bronchitis and it held up my work outs for almost a week.  I’m feeling somewhat better, but still a little slow.  I’m going to try to make it back into the gym today, but we’ll see how that goes.  Talk about bad timing to get sick!  I’m going to have to really push myself this week to try to make sure I show a loss. 

I must say that I feel pretty amazing.  I cut out meat and dairy from my diet just to see if the pounds would come off a little quicker.  Not only have I lost a few, but I also feel really great.  It may just be in my head, but I guess that is where it counts…right?  I feel more alert and focused.  Could all the articles have been true?  I’ll have to do this a bit longer to come  up with a definitive answer to that, but so far, so good.  I thought I would be hungrier, but I don’t seem to be. 

It looks like quite a few of my fellow contestants are going to run in the Johnnycake Jog.  I’m going to be out of town, so I won’t be able to be there in person, but I’ll be there in spirit.  I will walk my 5K that day too, just not in the same place.  I want to wish all of them lots of luck and have fun!  I wish I could be there. 

Only a little over two weeks until this contest is over.  I have to admit, I’m going to be a little bummed.  I’ve enjoyed this journey more than I thought I would.  I’m still going to try to lose enough for first place, but it’s going to be tough.  Lisa Sheer is a tough competitor and has worked her behind off…literally.  Her achievements have motivated me to work harder and harder.  I think if she hadn’t done so well, I may not have pushed myself as much.  Being a part of this team of people has been a unique and incredible opportunity.  Everyone’s blogs have been amazing.  Sometimes you just need to see that other people have the same struggles that you do.  Laura Kessler, who runs the contest, has also been incredibly motivating.  She came to my house and worked out with me and I know she’s done the same for others.  I’ve also gotten the chance to work out with Desirea Thompson and Michael Kadlub.  I had fun doing the P90X with them, but it was tough.  I couldn’t have done half of what I can do now and the beginning of this contest.  I feel like I’ve already won!

 

 

I’m attempting a new way to approach my weight loss.  I struggled a bit last month, but am feeling pretty good this month.  I’m not counting my calories as closely, but am really watching what I am eating.  I’ve stopped eating animal products for the time being and am feeling pretty great.  It’s a little bit of work to ensure that I get enough protein, but I think I’m doing a pretty good job.  I’m not saying I will never eat these things again, but I’m reading more and more about the health benefits of a plant based diet.  It’s nice not to have to weigh every little thing that I put in my mouth.  I’ll give it a week to see if I am seeing the results I want.  I hope it does, because so far this has been pretty effortless and I’m enjoying the food.  I’m really going to try to focus on how I feel rather than how I look.  If I feel good from good fuel, I imagine the weight will come off too.  I miss dairy a bit, but it hasn’t been too bad.  I’ll let you know if this plant based business lives up to the hype.  Stay tuned….

I have no intention of coming in second in this contest.  I had a rough weigh in this past weekend, but still showed a loss.  I’m going to have to kick it into high gear this last month if I am going to come close to winning.  I have also been thinking about what my game plan will be after the contest is over.  The blogging and weighing in has really helped keep me accountable, but what is going to keep me accountable once that ends?  I’m going to have to figure something out.  For now, I will focus on what I can do by the end of this month.  It’s going to be tough, but I’m going to give it all I got.    

 

 

I ran into my previous manager (Shari) in the locker room at work today.  She is a super health conscious women who is always so supportive.  She’s never too pushy, but always has a quick tip or a bit of advice if you’re looking for it.  It got me thinking about all of the people in my life who live healthy lives.  I draw inspiration from them and I hope to inspire someone else with my story.  For instance, my mom has always been health conscious.  She’s in her 60’s and takes two YMCA classes a day.  I’m not talking about Yoga for seniors either.  She does boot camp and every other crazy class they offer.  Then there is my dad, who told me the other day, that he has never tried sausage gravy cause he knows he’ll like it and it’s not good for him, so he’s just stayed away from it.  He is also eating a primarily vegan diet to take off a few extra pounds.  He is the slimmest I’ve ever seen him and he looks amazing.  My brother runs ultra-marathons and my sister-in-law is a yoga master.  With all of these healthy folks surrounding me, how can I possibly fail?  I suppose I am the only one that stands between me and success. 

3.1 miles is how far I went on the treadmill today.   That’s right….5k.  I jogged about 2.25 miles and had to walk about .75 miles, but darnit….I did it!  This might not seem like much of an accomplishment to some, but for me, this is huge.  Since the beginning of this contest, I have been using the elliptical, the bike, and taking classes.  I have recently started running a bit and at first it was ridiculously difficult.  I could do an hour on the elliptical, but couldn’t run for more than a couple minutes at a time.  Now I’m jogging away and not feeling like I’m going to fall down.  I have learned a few lessons, with my new activity, that I will pass onto you.

 

1.       Make sure your workout clothes fit properly.  Pants that will stay up on the elliptical, may not stay up during a run. 

2.       A good bra will keep those around you from talking about you behind your back. 

3.       It gets easier every time.  It’s not easy, but it certainly isn’t as hard as it used to be.